Director of Data (open to applications globally)

Director of Data - The Role:

The Director of Data is a leader that has accountability of the organisation’s data and analytics assets to drive value for business stakeholders. This includes creation and management of data and analytics strategy, and execution of related programs and practices that drive measurable business outcomes. This role involves establishing, leading and operating the Data function; developing talent and mature data culture; building trust and managing data; and evolving technology capabilities including AI.

The Director of Data will cultivate and unify a Firm-wide community of practice dedicated to data excellence. Your role will involve overseeing the development and integration of cutting-edge AI capabilities, ensuring alignment with the Firm's overarching Technology Strategy and roadmap. You will also collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and efficiency in data operations. Crucially, this role will enhance and expand Linklaters' data capabilities on a global scale, positioning the Firm at the forefront of the industry.

• Maintain authority and accountability for exploiting the value of enterprise information assets, and of the analytics used to render insights for decision making, automated decisions and augmentation of human performance. Be the corporate leader of data-driven insights and use cases that help support the exploitation of strategic and tactical business opportunities.
• Be the drive behind establishing a Hub and Spoke model and establish the vision for managing data as a business asset — to exploit data and analytics capabilities to maximise the value derived from data assets.
• Define data and analytics vision, strategy and associated practices. Lead the creation (and assure the ongoing relevance) of the organization’s data and analytics strategy, in collaboration with the various spokes across the Firm from Finance to HR, BD&M etc.
• Institute an enterprise operating model for data and analytics that is consistent with the capabilities and competencies required to execute and support the Firms strategy.
• Foster the creation of a data-driven culture, related competencies and data literacy across the enterprise. Lead these transformation efforts by developing Data and AI talent and maturing the capability of the organisation.
• Oversee delivery models, methods and practices for creation of data products and to ensure consistent application and use of data and analytics solutions.
• Establish comprehensive governance frameworks for data and algorithms, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations and maintaining trust in data assets for analytical and decision-making processes.
• Lead data-driven innovation and research for the Firm, including investigation, adoption and exploitation of artificial intelligence.
• Lead research, strategy creation and development of new data products or services to expand markets, monetise data (directly and indirectly) and impact the Firms profitability. 
• Ensure the effective transition and hand over of developed products to the relevant specialist teams in Technology and wider Business Teams.
• Oversee and manage the data function's budget to ensure resource allocation aligns with strategic objectives, optimising expenditure through efficient budgeting processes to support innovation and growth.
• Expand the organisation’s research and analytics offerings, especially in emerging analytical approaches, skills and technologies, focusing on accelerating digital business innovation and transformation.  Pushing the boundaries of AI.
• Identify new kinds, types and sources of trusted data to enable business value innovation throughout the organization.
• Create and oversee a centralised data management service for sourcing external data to ensure quality, traceability, timeliness, usability and cost-effectiveness.
• Define processes for the effective, integrated introduction of new data.
• Oversee the development and deployment of the enterprise’s data and analytics platform for digital business.
• Design and implement comprehensive frameworks for data collection, storage, management, and governance to ensure they align with the Firm's business objectives.
• Manage the development of secure data platforms that protect against unauthorised access while allowing for system connectivity and interoperability.
• Streamline data operations by collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance workflows and eliminate inefficiencies.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance team productivity and talent development, incorporating diversity and inclusion to foster a scalable, high-performing data function in alignment with the Firm's objectives
• Collaborate with business teams to understand data use case requirements and facilitate their implementation into production environments.
• Work closely with Service Owners, Architects, and Business Analysts to ensure the performance and continuous development of data-related products.
• Engage and manage relationships with senior stakeholders, and Partners, to align the data strategy with business goals and ensure buy-in across the Firm and alignment with the wide Technology and Data strategy, in support of the Firm’s strategy.

Director of Data - What we're looking for:

• Proven track record of leading and managing data governance and AI initiatives at a senior level, ideally within a large organisation.
• Experience in setting strategic direction for data management and AI fostering a data-driven culture.
• Comprehensive understanding of AI technologies and methodologies, with experience in integrating these within business processes.
• Strong skills in engaging and managing relationships with senior stakeholders, and cross-functional teams, to align data strategy with business goals.
• Ability to effectively communicate the value of data initiatives to diverse audiences, ensuring buy-in and engagement.
• Experience in managing and developing high-performing data teams, with a focus on talent development, scalability, and diversity.
• Strong Team Player
• Excellent Leadership Skills
• Working in a Product Operating Model, successfully having applied an Agile approach to development,

Director of Data - What's on offer:

Joining Team Linklaters will see you qualify for a range of benefits designed to reward the vital contribution you'll be making to our success. These include:

Health & Wellbeing

• Private Medical Insurance
• Free in-house fitness centre and subsidised health club memberships
• Free onsite GP service and periodic health assessments

Finance

• Pension and flexible savings options
• Income protection and life assurance
• Mortgage advice and will-writing services.

Family & Lifestyle

• Electric car and cycle to work schemes.
• Emergency family care
• Additional holiday/birthday leave.
• Maternity/paternity/shared parental leave.
• Travel insurance and season ticket loan
• Option to join sports and social clubs, as well as our employee networks groups (such as our Gender Equality, With Pride, or Social Mobility Networks)

Technical Skills:

This list of duties and responsibilities above is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this job. As such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.